Barely Legal

74

Mookie, who had trailed Herbie from the courthouse, watched as his target was hauled into a limo by two large goons. He called Taperelli from across the street. “The lawyer’s in a limo with Mario Payday.”

“Are you sure?”

“I didn’t see Mario, but Carlo and Ollie the Ox walked him in. They’re Mario’s boys, so it’s gotta be him.”

“The lawyer must owe him money.”

“I don’t know how. Guy’s a lawyer, for Christ’s sakes. Maybe it’s something else.”

“No,” Taperelli said, “with Mario Payday it’s always money. That’s interesting. Mario must have killed his girlfriend.”

“What?”

“Mario’s not subtle. Mr. Fisher owes him cash. He didn’t pay. Mario killed his girl and now he’s squeezing him. That’s the way he plays.”

“It’s gotta be a shitload of money.”

“Yes, it does.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Make sure he gets out of the limo and back home intact. Mario’s been known to cut his losses just to make a point.”

“Hard to imagine if the debt’s as big as you think. A guy could retire on just the interest.”

“Just make sure.”

“Hang on. It looks like he’s getting out now.”

The back door of the limo opened and Herbie stepped out, looking grim and determined.

Mookie wondered what he’d been told.

Herbie paid no attention to anyone, just trudged blindly down the street.

“He let him go,” Mookie said. “The guy looks defeated. I think he’s walking home.”

“Make sure.”

“If he goes home, can we leave it at that?”

“If he stays there.”